GENDER DIFFERENCES IN CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH CHILDHOOD AUTISM.

Dr. V. Geethaanjali, Dr. Shinika. R, N. Suresh Kumar

Abstract

Autism has been reported to be more common in males with M:F ratio of 4:1. This reported sex/gender bias in prevalence has its impact both inresearch and clinical practice - from diagnosis to its therapeutic aspects. This study has explored the gender differences in children diagnosed withChildhood Autism with respect to clinical characteristics, severity, adaptive functioning and minor physical anomalies. Sample consists of 47children (34 males and 13 female children) who attended Psychiatry Department, Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai, a tertiary care centre forthe period of 8 months. Socio demographic data sheet, Kuppusamy socio economic status scale, CARS, MPA scale and VSMS were used.Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS version 14. The results indicates that, when compared with males, females have higher severity ofAutism, poor verbal communication, more antenatal (AN) and peri-natal risk factors, less restricted and repetitive behaviour, presence of positivefamily history of Autism, poor adaptive functioning, higher number of Minor Physical Anomalies and fewer Restricted and Repetitive behaviour.Understanding these gender differences, females with autism would be better recognised in future.